Gun Control - Research Paper Example

Gun Control Since the advent of this world violence has been prevailing in different forms. This violence has now spread such that it has become a threat to the integrity of this world. Different types of weapons and armor is being used to spread this terror all over the world. Majority of the violence which occurs in the world is because of the weapons which have been made by us only. Firearm is a type of weapon which is being used widely for different killings. A firearm is a weapon which uses gun powder to produce a shot which can prove to be lethal for an individual if he is hit. The very question which arises after reviewing the situation mentioned above is that why such killings are not being stopped? The answer to this question lies in a deep politics which revolves around the term ‘gun’. All over the world different countries have passed legislations to control these killings. These legislations or law either snatch the right of someone to possess a gun or snatch the right totally from the manufacturers of the guns to produce guns. Many other countries have no such laws or legislations as the governments of these countries believe that these laws would do no good to the current situation of violence but it would rather increase it. The United States of America is also one such country where in 1939, the Supreme Court of the country passed a very important decision with regard to gun control marking the possession of guns to be illegal (Christian Science Monitor 2007). This decision remained unchallenged but considering the raising violence and crime rate, voices were raised against this decision due to the fact that the safety of one’s life was above all such bans and gun control laws were demanded be relaxed. Debate in the public domain with regard to gun control could amicably be resolved through legal goodwill paving way for the relevant legislation. In the United States, gun control issues have been a center of interest and debate by the stakeholders torn in between gun ownership legalization or completely banning guns. Several years of debate seemed futile in many instances but with political will, it is likely to end in a reliable solution. This essay would further provide arguments from both sides regarding gun control and would conclude as to which side has a convincing and stronger argument (Roleff 2007). Gun Control has been a controversial topic all over the world these days. Many of the individuals believe that gun control should be in practice as it would help to decrease the rate of violence whereas many of the individuals believe that this gun control would rather give an opportunity to the wrong-doers to advance and become a threat for the law-abiding citizens. The proponents of gun control present with several views when defending it. They believe that it is because of gun control in several areas that the rate of violence has decreased. They present with different studies which clearly show that the usage of guns in homicides have been very high. According to them after the enactment of gun control in United States since 1981 it is seen that the crime rate has decreased. Moreover the number of homicides which were even then committed showed that in most instances a gun was used (Krouse 2005). Similarly they also present researches regarding students carrying firearms while coming to school (Cooper 2006). Many other researches are also presented by these proponents of gun control which state that people usually do not feel safe when they know that other individuals are carrying guns. A study by Harvard School of Public Health states that "Americans feel less safe as more people in their community begin to carry guns." The proponents here state that if gun control laws are not imposed much of the population would be scared from the ones who possess guns. They also quote that every individual living in this world has the right to be safe from the dangers of guns. They believe that if guns are easily accessible to all the citizens then there is a great possibility that they fall in the wrong hands. And these guns can then be used by the wrong-doers to spread violence (Hemenway et al 2001). These proponents also come up with points regarding the effect of gun control on youth. According to them if gun control is practiced all over the youth would not be able to buy these firearms and hence they would be out of reach to commit any violent act. They defy the argument provided by the opponents which states that guns can help to provide every citizen the right of safety and self defense by stating that the government has established such forces that these acts can be avoided. The proponents of gun control also come up with the argument that if everybody has the right to buy a gun then all the individuals living in the society are brought to risk. By this they mean that if a group of individuals possessing guns sought a fight then many lives could be lost only because of diminished gun control laws (Huffington 1998). On the other hand the arguments against gun control have been very wide and extensive. The opponents of gun control present with researches done recently which conclude that gun control do not have any effect on the rate of violence or crime. A survey issued by the National Academy of Sciences clearly shows that there is no such direct relation between gun control laws and reduced violence. A study by Gary Mauser clearly shows that even in the countries like England, Canada and Australia where the gun control laws were highly effective a high rate of crime was recorded. This higher rate of crime is supposedly lesser than the crime rate in America even without the gun control laws. Hence these opponents blame the gun control law to rather increase the number of crimes happening (Mauser, 2003). Similarly the opponents also give the example of England where a research has shown that the crime rates are peaking. It is seen that several of the gun control laws have been effective in England since a long time back but these gun control laws did not help to curb the crime rates in England. It is rather seen from a survey that 55 crimes are committed from an average of 100 people where as in other nations only 35 of 100 individuals are reported to be a target of crimes (Mayhew et al 2003). Many of the proponents hail the gun laws which make it mandatory on the individuals who possess weapons to hide their weapons so that accidental deaths are prevented. But opponents of gun control clearly deny this by citing a research done by Dr John Lott. This research by John Lott shows that there is no such relation between safe storage of weapons and juvenile accidents. Furthermore it also states that these safe storage laws lower the ability of the individuals possessing the weapons to use guns as a self-defense. Moreover this research also notes the problems which arose because of a lack of self defense by these individuals. The opponents also point out that other problems arise because of these gun control laws which relate to the expenses of the state itself (Lott & Whitley 2001). The individuals who are attacked by others and they cannot defend themselves because of the gun control laws usually get hit. Furthermore the opponents point out those accidents which arise because of these gun control laws and these accidents can directly harm state property. The opponents of gun control law also propose that if these gun control laws are diminished the individuals living in the society can not only ensure a safe environment for themselves but also other individuals. A study in the Journal of Law and Economics helps to derive the fact if an individual is allowed to carry gun concealed then he/she can prove to be helpful even to the police personnel. This study is pointed by these opponents as it can reduce the risk of killing of many individuals at the same time (Mustard 2001). The proponents also claim that individuals who have access to guns illegally are more prone to commit crimes as these individuals believe that they would not be caught whereas the ones who possess guns legally, they tend not to commit crimes because of the fear that they would be caught. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention USA shows that the crime rates committed by the ones who own illegal weapons are higher than the ones who own legal weapons (Huizinga et al 1993). Self defense is a major point which is used by the opponents to deny the effectiveness of gun control laws. These proponents put forward the claim that if an individual does not possess a gun then he is likely to get injured when a possible threat comes. However if the individual possesses a gun then he can use it for his self defense. They also put forward the claim that if the wrong-doer knows about the minimization of gun control laws then it is less likely that he would use violence against a fellow individual. In simple terms it can be said that the minimization of gun control laws can help in decreasing the rate of pertaining violence (Lott & Mustard 1997). These opponents put forward examples of countries where the gun control laws have been established but even then the rates of crime have surged and have become a threat to the country. An example of such a country is England where the crime rates have surged even after the imposition of gun control laws (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1996). These opponents believe that every individual has a right to protect himself/herself and for that he can possess a weapon if he wants. If anyone believes that he is suffering from a danger then he can possess the weapon to use it in self defense. Similarly the opponents also put forward the claim that gun control laws can have effect on the traditional values of hunters. Many hunters and individuals believe that guns are necessary to follow their traditions of safe hunting and shooting and if these are snatched away then a new rise to the phenomena of illegal hunting would begin (New York Times 2008). The issue of gun control has been showing interest on goings in the United States of America. The changes in policy against the laws of gun control started after the ruling of a court in Columbia. According to the Christian Science Monitor (2007), a showdown was looming after a US appeals court ruled against gun ban in District of Columbia. The ruling seemed to depart from a 1939 Supreme Court ruling, even if precedents might not tie a judge. The panel stated in its ruling that owning a gun was a constitutional right. The provisions of the Second Amendment on which the Supreme Court based its ruling went to the extent of allowing a well regulated militia to maintain security of a Free State. The Christian Science Monitor pointed out that the security of the public went further than allowing militia possess guns legally. Self defense and not mere constitutional right to possess a gun was the key argument in the judgment. Since the law in the District of Columbia stated that guns should be disassembled or trigger locked, it was argued that safety would be enhanced. It was hence the beginning of a platform to legalize the ownership of weapons due to the changing society and the importance of self defense and safety. The Christian Science Monitor (2007) explained the view of few judges who presented the view that denial of possession of arms to the common public is actually denial of methods for self defense. The emphasis should lay on proper guidance to the use of weapons rather than completely imposing a ban. The topic of gun control has been of a great debate and both the proponents and opponents have strong arguments. But in my view the opponents of the gun control laws have stronger arguments in comparison to their counterparts. The decreased crime rate because of minimal gun control laws is an excellent live example put forward by the opponents which should be taken into view. But on the other hand it is necessary that some control is also established on the sales of these guns because minimized gun control laws would give an opportunity to all the individuals to buy a gun i.e. even for wrong purposes. One has to make sure that gun control laws are there such as concealed gun laws because they ensure a safe environment. In conclusion it can be said that gun control laws are imposed but it should be kept in mind that these laws are not compromising on the lives of many individuals. In other words these gun control laws should be minimized such that the crime rate is lowered (Roleff 2007). The use of guns has been portrayed to be related mainly to crime but it has been argued by many that possession of guns by the common man can assist them in protecting themselves and hence it should be their right. Education regarding the proper use of arms and guns can lead to help many people who are at risk of being subjected to criminal activities and assist them in overcoming such problems. It can also lead to prevention of wrong usage of arms. Times have changed now and the number of criminals and the rate of crime have highly increased. The common man is at risk for being subjected to violence and falling victim to crime in their everyday lives. As every human being has the right to speak for his rights and do everything possible to protect himself, a ban on attaining arms is a hindrance in this right of the beings and hence it lacks an ethical justification from this viewpoint. A person who is being robbed by armed men is helpless but he might protect himself if he also possesses a weapon and this will only be possible if these laws re revised. Thus, it needs to be understood that with changing times, the requirements of the people change and this law should be revised for the betterment of the people. With every passing year, there are many changes that take place around the globe. These changes are to be met and faced accordingly. Gun control is a subject which lies in a similar category. It was banned a long time ago due to the safety of the citizens in those times and the low crime rate. But since time has changed and more protection is required by everyone, this ban can be revised considering the help that it can provide to people. This can be effective if suitable measures are taken before removing this ban. References Top of Form Cooper, Edith F. The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program: Background and Context. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, 2006. Print. Gun Laws as a Right to Safety (2007). The Christian Science Monitor, p.8.  Christian Science Monitor. < http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0316/p08s02-comv.html> Top of Form Hemenway, D, D Azrael, and M Miller. "National Attitudes Concerning Gun Carrying in the United States." Injury Prevention : Journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention. 7.4 (2001): 282-5. Print. Huffington, Arianna. (July 20-26, 1998) Unexamined contributors to youth violence. Washington Times National Weekly Edition. Top of Form Huizinga, David, Rolf Loeber, and Terence P. Thornberry. Urban Delinquency and Substance Abuse. Washington D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 1993. Print. Bottom of Form Top of Form ICVS, International W. G, del F. A. Alvazzi, Dijk J. J. M. van, John . Kesteren, and Patricia Mayhew.International Crime Victimization Survey (icvs), 1989-2000. Ann Arbor, Mich: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor, 2003. Internet resource. Bottom of Form Top of Form Krouse, William J. Gun Legislation in the 109th Congress. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Information Service, Library of Congress, 2005. Print. Top of Form Lott, John R, and John E. Whitley. "Safe-storage Gun Laws: Accidental Deaths, Suicides, and Crime." Journal of Law and Economics. 44.2 (2001): 659-689. Print. Bottom of Form Top of Form Lott, John R, and David B. Mustard. "Crime, Deterrence, and Right-to-Carry Concealed Handguns." The Journal of Legal Studies. 26.1 (1997): 1-68. Print. Bottom of Form Top of Form Mauser, Gary A. The Failed Experiment: Gun Control and Public Safety in Canada, Australia, England and Wales. Public policy sources, no. 71. Vancouver, B.C.: Fraser Institute, 2003. Print. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Mustard, David B. "The Impact of Gun Laws on Police Deaths." The Journal of Law & Economics. 44.2 (2001): 635. Print. Top of Form Roleff, Tamara L. Gun Control. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. Print. To Revive Hunting, States Turn to the Classroom. New York Times. 2008 Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More